“Collect, acquire, analyze, report, and disseminate statistical data related to the science and engineering enterprise…”: The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics

The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) is one of the thirteen principal statistical agen-cies of the United States and is tasked with providing objective data on the status of the science and engineering enterprise in the U.S. and other countries. NCSES sponsors or co-sponsors data collection on 15 surveys and pro-duces two key publications: Science and Engineering Indicators, and Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering. Though policy-neutral, the data and reports produced by NCSES are used by policymakers when making policy decisions regarding STEM education and research funding in the U.S. Given NCSES’s importance to the science and engineering community, raising awareness of NCSES and increasing par-ticipation by individuals in STEM fields is an important priority.